Wow. I can’t believe five months is over. So now I have to pack all my clothes, presents and memories back in my suitcases ready for the long flight home tomorrow night. But, in true style, we are filling our time with ten thousand and one things…
On Monday we went to the hospice for the final time. It was hard saying goodbye to all of the patients, but so amazing to see their progress. Tuesday I went to my favourite pre school. The kids there were as adorable as ever. Wednesday found me with the bridge the gap students. Yesterday was the final soup kitchen. Then we had a presentation from a policeman about drugs here in South africa. We visited Nicola in the afternoon. Saying goodbye to her was hard, she’s been such an amazing mentor. Last night we went out for drinks and desserts with our friends. This afternoon we will give a presentation to the Oasis staff of our time here, which includes lots of silly and incriminating photos! Tomorrow morning we are having a huge braai before we go.
As I sit here in our office for the last afternoon, I can’t decide how I feel. I’m so excited to see you all, but I am totally sure that part of my heart will always be here. All the people I have come into contact here, from our boss, to volunteers, children, people in church and strangers on the street have shown me so much abuot what it means to be a real community, and just how amazing it is to have God working with you.
One of my favourite things about here is the openness to talk about God and acknowledge him in people’s lives. I also love how chilled out it is here, how you can work with the children, smile at someone without causing people to wonder what you want, and say good morning to people you’ve never seen before.
I’ll write more when I’m back home, but for now, this is it, my South African journey so far.